Allis Chalmers TL series

[2stagefanWI]

Has anyone had any experience or pictures of the old Allis Chalmers TL series loaders (TL-12, TL-20, TL-30, etc.)? I am fascinated with the suicide arms on those loaders and the Michigan 75's and 125's. Its just a really interesting design that i am for some reason infatuated with. If anyone has any pics/ stories about these two types of loaders or any other loader with the suicide arms, id love to hear them! By the way, i think this is an A/C TL series loader, but i cant decide what model no. it is: YouTube - get chevy powered 1963 front end loader running

Thanks again!

 

[iceberg210]

That's a TL14D I believe. I have a TL12, that was repowered with a Detroit 353. Which brings me to ask does anyone know any trips or tricks to get these old beasts moving? My loader runs great but doesn't move. You can put it in gear forward or back, and it won't move, I've heard there's a filter that needs cleaning perhaps, or that the clutches need adjusting, but neither of these things I've found a way to do. At any rate, any help would be appreciated...

 

[OneWelder]

I have a parts book for Model TL-16 ( gasoline ) ser. 101 and up
you could own it

 

[iceberg210]

On a related note anyone remember what type of fluid was used in these TL loaders in the transmission?

Thanks

 

[iceberg210]

Well I've been using the trail and error method so far and have found some information that I figured I might as well put up on the net in case someone else needs it...

There's a filter behind where the out line for the transmission fluid runs (the hose that goes from the left side of the machine (if looking as if you're operating it) to the pump on the right side. This hose attaches to a plate with four bolts, just undo the bolts, and pull the plate off. You may have to detach the filter from the plate before you can get it out, this isn't too bad but keep in mind the filter is brass and is threaded into the plate so much spinning is involved. The filter is impossible to find, literally Purelator hasn't made it in fifteen or so years and I can't for the life of me find one. But it should clean up pretty well, and that's probably your best bet...

Finally the fluid for the transmission is 8 gallons of C1 or better transmission fluid.

 

[LarryBedfordVa]

Clutches?

Well I've been using the trail and error method so far and have found some information that I figured I might as well put up on the net in case someone else needs it...

There's a filter behind where the out line for the transmission fluid runs (the hose that goes from the left side of the machine (if looking as if you're operating it) to the pump on the right side. This hose attaches to a plate with four bolts, just undo the bolts, and pull the plate off. You may have to detach the filter from the plate before you can get it out, this isn't too bad but keep in mind the filter is brass and is threaded into the plate so much spinning is involved. The filter is impossible to find, literally Purelator hasn't made it in fifteen or so years and I can't for the life of me find one. But it should clean up pretty well, and that's probably your best bet...

Finally the fluid for the transmission is 8 gallons of C1 or better transmission fluid.

Any luck adjusting those clutches? I can't find any info anywhere. I've got a TL-12D that won't move (like yours iceberg210). Is there a similar model, maybe a Case, where the procedure would be the same?

 

[rvannatta]

Has anyone had any experience or pictures of the old Allis Chalmers TL series loaders (TL-12, TL-20, TL-30, etc.)? I am fascinated with the suicide arms on those loaders and the Michigan 75's and 125's. Its just a really interesting design that i am for some reason infatuated with. If anyone has any pics/ stories about these two types of loaders or any other loader with the suicide arms, id love to hear them! By the way, i think this is an A/C TL series loader, but i cant decide what model no. it is: YouTube - get chevy powered 1963 front end loader running

Thanks again!

Actually yes: we have a couple of them in use. the TL-30 that is.

 

[derekbroerse]

Hey 2stagefanWI, what happened to the youtube account? Says its been terminated... :/ Kinda wanted to look over the Chevy powered machine...

 

[TL12D]

Did you ever get the TL12 to move? I've got the same problem. Apparently was working before the clutches were changed, but I adjusted and adjusted and nothing...won't move an inch!

 

[iceberg210]

We did get it to move (only7 in forward it looks like however...) We tightened up the clutches, (turning them on those threaded shafts) and that got it moving in forward.

TL12D, couple questions, does your power steering work? Cause it's on the same hydraulic circuit as the transmission, and if not, you have a plug in the line, or a failed pump. It could be that when the clutches were changed that the machine sat enough for gunk to get and plug the filter in the bottom of the transmission. Have you checked that strainer yet? If you have any questions feel free to call me or email me or post here, I'm always up for helping others with these great old machines...
801 809 3752

 

[lpnt65]

I have a copy of a Allis Chalmers handbook with trhis info in i will get it photo copied next trip to town 4 hours awy so may tkae time may be i could emaiyou and obtain your Fax no and send it that way

 

[atgreene]

I have a TL14 that is currently down for repairs. We are swapping the 24 starter to 12 volt (did that yesterday), took the factory fuel filters off (they leak nonstop) and put a single spin on fuel filter in its place. Now I have to find a way to build a bracket for the alternator. We took the generator off yesterday, real pita to get out, putting an alternator in will be fun.

I still have two flat tires and a solenoid to change. I've never gotten the brakes to work. Master cylinder was junk, took it off but could not find another. Anyone ever found a replacement master cylinder?

I've run the machine for two years, aside from brakes, sloppy steering and burning oil, it has worked ok.

 

[kgman]

Greetings! I'm new to this forum thing, but I have a TL-14 Diesel and I have a few issues that I think you folks have been touching on. It starts and runs beautifully, but I have to force the accelerator pedal to the floor and it takes everything its got just to move a little. I had it on snow the other day, and only 1 wheel spins. Is this the clutch adjustment issue I've been hearing? Or is this a transmission filter issue? Secondly, the power steering doesn't work. Is this all part of the same issue? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[iceberg210]

I'm guessing this is all part of the same issue. The power steering on these machines is tied into the fluid system for the transmission. The first thing I'd check is that filter, doubt you'll be able to find a new one, but at least mine was brass and some soaking in diesel cleaned it up. Change your transmission fluid (at least the TL12 takes automatic transmission fluid). If that doesn't work check to make sure your pump works (I had to have mine rebuilt). If those things aren't working it won't really matter how your clutches are adjusted, and even if you did adjust the clutches you'd have to readjust them probably if you had any issues anywhere else. That's the direction we took, and mine works great now. After doing some work with it, I do need to adjust the clutches again (I think they just hadn't been used in so long that they got some grime thrown off them, and now I can really adjust them correctly. They aren't too hard to adjust if it's the same on the 14 as it is on the 12. There are just some big adjustment discs that thread on the clutch packs. If you have any other questions let me know, glad to know there are a few Allis loaders still running around.

 

[kgman]

Thanks Iceberg! I believe I will need to harness your trial and error results. I appreciate your sharing them with us! I purchased some expensive manuals from Jensales (ok, so I'm poor) but I must not have ordered the right ones, since my tractor has some levers to the right of the driver's seat besides the loader and bucket controls and my operator's manual doesn't show them. As soon as the weather improves I'll be out there changing the hydraulic fluid. I'm familiar with Dexron, Type F, ATF 3 & 4, but I've never heard of "C-1." I do spend quite a bit of time in auto parts stores, but I don't recall seeing that on the shelf. Is this special fluid or is it a rating that I will find if I read the label? I think I have a couple gallons of dexron in the garage. Thanks again! I have a lot of work to do with my loader this spring.

 

[iceberg210]

C1 is just a 'grade' of Automatic Transmission fluid, and it's a grade that we've long since passed. (I think we're on F now). So no worries on what it is, as long as it's automatic transmission fluid. I'd check your pump to make sure it pumps before you change the fluid, btw, and that way you can make sure it's running clean fluid after you rebuild it if you have to do so...

 

[kgman]

Thank you! The loader and bucket seem to work, albeit a little slow, so I'd guess the pump is working. I wouldn't imagine they would work at all if the pump had failed. I can't answer to the performance, however. I would suppose that there would be a place I could attach a pressure gage and check for the performance, but I'm not sure I'd know what would be adequate pressure anyway.

 

[iceberg210]

There are two separate pumps, and two separate circuits, the pump that runs the steering and the travel is on the back of the engine near the grill driven by a belt, the one that operates the loader functions is off the end of the crankshaft almost right under the seat. They are actually independent systems, so just cause one pump is working doesn't mean the other one is.

 

[elanman]

Hey iceberg210 we have an old TL-20 that a Guy buy the name of Pat Crawford built a Pre Hauler out of the drive train is all TL-20 and we are in need of some studs for the wheels ? thought you could send me in the right direction maybe or even the size or even if there is a parts book for the TL_20 I could buy ? Thanks for any and all help. Will try and post some pictures of this Pre Hauler it was one of 2 that he built, then he started making the Polar Pre Hauler these machines were made for hauling logs out to the siding before they made the bigger and fast Skidders, Pat Crawford is about 85 years old and is in Wi and his family builds the Timber Pro logging eeqitment today.

 

[elanman]